Every evening, just after sunset, enjoy an impressive fireworks display in Pantai Cenang at Kalut Cafe and Bar . This nearly hour-long show is the perfect escape: enjoy a delicious cocktail and watch the fire fly past your ears.
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Language
Malay, Chinese, Indian
Flight time
11 hours
Tips for your trip to Malaysia
Malaysia: Here, modern technology meets Kuala Lumpur's skyline, beautiful beaches, and exotic rainforests: each location has its own unique charm.
I'm going to tell you about this impressive culture, the delicious food, and the beautiful nature. This blog only covers the western part of Malaysia, also known as "Peninsular Malaysia." So, Borneo will be skipped!
How much time do you need for Malaysia?
During this two-week journey through Malaysia, you'll discover a wonderful combination of city life, culture, and nature. You'll begin in vibrant Kuala Lumpur , continue to historic Malacca , and then on to bustling Georgetown in Penang. The trip concludes in a relaxing way on the tropical beaches of Langkawi , where you can fully enjoy the sun, sea, and tranquility.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is often called the Dubai of Asia, but it has much more to offer than just impressive architecture.
The famous Petronas Twin Towers tower over the skyline and are definitely worth a visit, especially at sunset. From KLCC Park, you have a wonderful view from the ground. There's also a fountain show every evening at 8, 9, and 10 pm just outside the Suria KLCC shopping mall.
A visit to the Thean Hou Temple is highly recommended for a religious experience. This temple is dedicated to Tianhou (also known as Matsu), a goddess for Taoists. Approximately 200 million people worldwide believe in the Matsu religion.
View from KLCC Park on the Petronas Towers
The Thean Hou Temple , a 15-minute drive from KLCC
Of course, you'll also want a tasty bite to eat. Even though this place is very touristy, the vibe and the food are delicious. I'm talking about Bukit Bintang. This area comes alive at night with its many stalls, restaurants, and nightlife with bars and clubs. You can also try the legendary durian here! However, this exotic fruit isn't for everyone...
We also recommend exploring the Batu Caves . These magnificent limestone caves were converted into a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Murugan at the end of the 19th century. You'll have to climb 272 steps to reach the main cave, passing a massive golden statue of Murugan over 42 meters tall. So take your time with the climb!
If you're looking for a place to stay with a beautiful view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, we recommend booking Eaton Residences . This skyscraper features a gym and a swimming pool with the perfect view of the Petronas Towers!
The many stairs in the Batu caves
Swimming pool with a view from Eaton residences
Malacca
Melakka, often referred to as Malacca, is a must-visit for the Dutch as this Malaysian city has a rich history with our ancestors.
The famous Stadhuys , the oldest Dutch building in Asia, evokes the VOC era and the enduring presence of 17th-century colonial architecture. The building also houses a museum that explains Dutch history in detail.
From the Straits Mosque Viewpoint, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Strait of Malacca, where you can imagine how Dutch ships once boarded here.
Malacca is unique because of its combination of Malay, Chinese and Portuguese influences, and its historical relationship with the Netherlands provides an added sense of recognition and connection, which comes together on Jonker Street .
A visit to Malacca feels like a journey through time, where different cultures and histories come together.
The entrance to the Stadthuys
Straits Mosque Sunset viewpoint
Besides the beautiful culture, you can also enjoy delicious food here. Malacca is known for its Nyonyan cuisine , a unique fusion cuisine from Southeast Asia (especially Malaysia and Singapore) that combines Chinese ingredients and cooking methods with local Malay spices and flavors. It's the result of Chinese immigrants marrying local women, resulting in dishes like those found at Perakanan Place Signature restaurant.
Georgetown (Penang)
Georgetown, located on the island of Penang, is a fascinating place where history, culture, and creativity converge. The renowned Armenian street art , including the famous murals by Ernest Zacharevic, brings the streets alive and transforms every corner of the city into a painting.
The Kek Lok Si Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, is an impressive building offering a spiritual experience in the heart of the city.
From Penang Hill, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea. For those who appreciate culture, art, and a touch of colonial ambiance, Georgetown is a place you'll never forget.
Architecture of Kek Lok Si Temple
Street art in Armenian Street
Because you're almost always walking in the sunshine in Malaysia, you can see a beautiful sunset almost every day. The perfect spot for this is by the water, at Gurney Bay Park , where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air on the boulevard. In this area, you can also enjoy a delicious bite to eat at the Japanese BBQ restaurant Nikuno Yoichi .
Also visit the Clan Jetties . These are wooden stilt villages on the coast, established by Chinese clans in the 19th century, where families once lived and worked on the water. Each jetty belongs to a different clan, and Chew Jetty, in particular, is still inhabited and accessible to you!
If you're in the mood for a drink and/or meeting other travelers, Love Lane is the place to be. It has some great bars where music plays late into the night.
Sunrise from the Clan Jetties
Pubs in Love Lane
Langkawi
Langkawi offers an ideal combination of nature, luxury, and experiences. Visit Pantai Cenang in the evening for a wonderfully relaxed vibe and an impressive fireworks display on the beach.
During the day you can take a mangrove trail through the Kilim Geoforest Park , where you'll sail along ancient riverbeds with a wide variety of exotic animal species.
Then, take the cable car up to Peak 701 for stunning views of the archipelago. End your trip with a visit to The Danna Langkawi , a delightful resort that lets you relax like royalty, whether you stay overnight or not.
Put your feet up at The Danna Langkawi
Take the gondola up to Peak 701
During the day, you can take a mangrove trail through Kilim Geoforest Park , where you'll paddle along ancient riverbeds teeming with a variety of exotic species. You can book your tour through Langkawi Mangrove Tour . They'll take you to a remote base where you'll prepare to paddle. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious lunch by the water!
